U.S. patent application number 17/676628 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-25 for petrolatum alternative from renewable sources.
The applicant listed for this patent is Advonex International Corp.. Invention is credited to Chandrashekhar JOSHI.
Application Number | 20220265542 17/676628 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006242649 |
Filed Date | 2022-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220265542 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JOSHI; Chandrashekhar |
August 25, 2022 |
PETROLATUM ALTERNATIVE FROM RENEWABLE SOURCES
Abstract
The present application provides a substitute for petrolatum
that does not contain any petroleum-based components. The
petrolatum substitute gel composition comprises at least one
plant-derived paraffinic wax, at least one plant-derived paraffinic
oil, and at least one natural wax. Optionally, the at least one
natural wax is beeswax, berry wax (e.g., bay berry wax), candelilla
wax, green tea wax, carnauba wax, myrica fruit wax, rice bran wax,
a hydrogenated seed oil wax, ouricury wax, shellac wax or tallow
tree wax, and the at least one plant-derived paraffinic wax and the
at least one plant-derived paraffinic oil are manufactured from a
method that comprises a Kolbe-electrolysis process. Also provided
is a method for manufacturing the gel composition.
Inventors: |
JOSHI; Chandrashekhar;
(Kingston, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Advonex International Corp. |
Brockville |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006242649 |
Appl. No.: |
17/676628 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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63151970 |
Feb 22, 2021 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 8/927 20130101;
A61K 8/922 20130101; A61Q 19/007 20130101; A61K 2800/5922 20130101;
A61K 8/042 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61K 8/92 20060101
A61K008/92; A61K 8/04 20060101 A61K008/04; A61Q 19/00 20060101
A61Q019/00 |
Claims
1. A gel composition comprising at least one plant-derived
paraffinic wax, at least one plant-derived paraffinic oil, and at
least one natural wax.
2. The gel composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one natural
wax is selected from the group consisting of beeswax, berry wax
(e.g., bay berry wax), candelilla wax, green tea wax, carnauba wax,
myrica fruit wax, rice bran wax, hydrogenated seed oil waxes,
ouricury wax, shellac wax and tallow tree wax.
3. The gel composition of claim 2, wherein the at least one natural
wax is beeswax or carnauba wax.
4. The gel composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one
plant-derived paraffinic oil is present at an amount of from about
60% to about 90%, or from about 65% to about 85%, or from about 70%
to about 80%, by weight of the gel composition.
5. The gel composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one
plant-derived paraffinic wax and the natural wax are present at a
combined amount of from about 10% to about 40%, or from about 15%
to about 35%, or from about 20% to about 30%, by weight of the gel
composition.
6. The gel composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one natural
wax is present at an amount of from about 10% to about 60%, or from
about 20% to about 40%, or about 50%, by weight, based on the
combined weight of the at least one plant-derived paraffinic wax
and the at least one natural wax.
7. The gel composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one
plant-derived paraffinic oil has been manufactured using a
Kolbe-electrolysis process.
8. The gel composition of claim 7, wherein the plant-derived
paraffinic oil is Entrada.RTM.-EML or Entrada.RTM.-EMH.
9. The gel composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one
plant-derived paraffinic wax has been manufactured using a
Kolbe-electrolysis process.
10. The gel composition of claim 9, wherein the plant-derived
paraffinic wax is Entrada.RTM.-Wax.
11. The gel composition of claim 1, wherein the composition further
comprises an additive selected from the group consisting of
vitamins, minerals, skin conditioning agents, surfactants,
opacifiers, colorants and fragrances.
12. A method for producing a gel composition comprising at least
one plant-derived paraffinic wax, at least one plant-derived
paraffinic oil, and at least one natural wax, said method
comprising: a. combining the at least one plant-derived paraffinic
wax, the at least one plant-derived paraffinic oil, and the at
least one natural wax to form a mixture; b. heating the mixture
until a homogenous liquid is obtained; and c. cooling the
homogenous liquid to form the gel composition.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one natural wax is
selected from the group consisting of beeswax, berry wax (e.g., bay
berry wax), candelilla wax, green tea wax, carnauba wax, myrica
fruit wax, rice bran wax, hydrogenated seed oil waxes, ouricury
wax, shellac wax and tallow tree wax.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one natural wax is
beeswax or carnauba wax.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one plant-derived
paraffinic oil is present at an amount of from about 60% to about
90%, or from about 65% to about 85%, or from about 70% to about
80%, by weight of the gel composition.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one plant-derived
paraffinic wax and the natural wax are present at a combined amount
of from about 10% to about 40%, or from about 15% to about 35%, or
from about 20% to about 30%, by weight of the gel composition.
17. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one natural wax is
present at an amount of from about 10% to about 60%, or from about
20% to about 40%, or about 50%, by weight, based on the combined
weight of the at least one plant-derived paraffinic wax and the at
least one natural wax.
18. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one plant-derived
paraffinic oil has been manufactured using a Kolbe-electrolysis
process.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the plant-derived paraffinic
oil is Entrada.RTM.-EML or Entrada.RTM.-EMII.
20. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one plant-derived
paraffinic wax has been manufactured using a Kolbe-electrolysis
process.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the plant-derived paraffinic
wax is Entrada.RTM.-Wax.
22. The method of claim 12, wherein the composition further
comprises an additive selected from the group consisting of
vitamins, minerals, skin conditioning agents, surfactants,
opacifiers, colorants and fragrances.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 63/151,970, filed on Feb. 22, 2021,
which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present application pertains to the field of petrolatum
alternatives. More particularly, the present application relates to
gels comprising plant-derived oils and waxes, and methods of
manufacture and uses thereof.
INTRODUCTION
[0003] Petroleum jelly, or petrolatum, which is commonly known as
Vaseline.RTM. petroleum jelly, is a colloidal system of
branched-chain solid hydrocarbons and high-boiling straight-chain
liquid hydrocarbons that forms a semisolid viscous mass having a
melting point of about 38-56.degree. C. Petrolatum is virtually
insoluble in water, alcohol and glycerol. It was
developed/discovered in 1859 by the American chemist Robert
Chesebrough in Pennsylvania and has been widely used in cosmetics
and pharmacy as a salve or cream base. It is still used today in
lubricants, cosmetics, sunscreens, lip balms, ink additives,
coatings, and the like.
[0004] Petrolatum, because of its high viscosity and good
solubility, is used as a carrier for other additives and because of
its high wax content, is an excellent lubricant. Petrolatum is a
by-product of the oil refining process and is produced as a result
of de-waxing crude oil. While it is relatively inexpensive, it is
on occasion in short supply.
[0005] Problems can arise with the use of petrolatum. For example,
petrolatum leaves a slight greasy film that can be undesirable in
many applications. Also, petrolatum has a relatively narrow range
of melt points. Further, there is a shift in the petroleum industry
such that a large number of its refining processes are switching
over to so-called Group III oils, which are much cleaner and free
of pollutants in comparison to previously produced oils. These oils
will be used heavily in the manufacture of engine oils and other
products that are environmentally sensitive. With this conversion
to the Group III oils, the process no longer calls for dewaxing, as
the waxes will be broken up and treated by polymers and kept in the
oil itself. This means the petrolatum that was once available from
refineries producing motor oil base stocks will not be generated or
will be generated at a lesser amount.
[0006] In cosmetics, there has for many years been a trend toward
"green" or "greener" products. An increasing number of consumers
wants their cosmetic cleansing and care products to be not only
well tolerated and sensorially appealing, but to also be produced
from renewable, generally plant-based raw materials that are not
only biodegradable but can also be produced in a near-natural and
environmentally compatible manner. As a petroleum product,
petrolatum does not meet the requirements of environmentally
conscious consumers.
[0007] Attempts have been made to manufacture alternatives to
petrolatum without using petroleum derived waxes or waxes from
diminishing sources (see, for example, EP 0 661 924, US
2003/0207971, EP 2 011 483, US 2014/0302161 and US 2019/0298626).
However, to date, the formulations developed suffer drawbacks in
terms of, for example, formulation characteristics, cost or energy
requirements in production and use of diminishing natural
sources.
[0008] A need remains for a substitute for petrolatum that has the
features of petrolatum, but which minimizes its disadvantages.
[0009] The above information is provided for the purpose of making
known information believed by the applicant to be of possible
relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily
intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding
information constitutes prior art against the present
invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] An object of the present application is to obviate at least
some of the disadvantages in the prior art and provide a substitute
for petrolatum that does not contain any petroleum-based
components. In accordance with an aspect of the present
application, there is provided a gel composition comprising at
least one plant-derived paraffinic wax, at least one plant-derived
paraffinic oil, and at least one natural wax.
[0011] In some embodiments, the at least one natural wax is
beeswax, berry wax (e.g., bay berry wax), candelilla wax, green tea
wax, carnauba wax, myrica fruit wax, rice bran wax, a hydrogenated
seed oil wax, ouricury wax, shellac wax or tallow tree wax.
[0012] In some embodiments, the at least one plant-derived
paraffinic wax and the at least one plant-derived paraffinic oil
are manufactured from a method that comprises a Kolbe-electrolysis
process.
[0013] In accordance with another embodiment, there is provided a
method for producing a gel composition as described herein, wherein
the method comprises: [0014] a. combining the at least one
plant-derived paraffinic wax, the at least one plant-derived
paraffinic oil, and the at least one natural wax to form a mixture;
[0015] b. heating the mixture until a homogenous liquid is
obtained; and [0016] c. cooling the homogenous liquid to form the
gel composition.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TABLES AND FIGURES
[0017] For a better understanding of the application as described
herein, as well as other aspects and further features thereof,
reference is made to the following description which is to be used
in conjunction with the accompanying figures, where:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a photograph of a formulation containing only a
plant-derived wax and a plant-derived oil;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a photograph of a formulation containing a
plant-derived wax and a plant-derived oil in combination with
microcrystalline wax; and
[0020] FIG. 3 is a photograph of a formulation according to an
embodiment of the present invention containing a plant-derived wax
and a plant-derived oil in combination with a natural wax.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Definitions
[0021] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.
[0022] As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms
"a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise.
[0023] The term "comprising" as used herein will be understood to
mean that the list following is non-exhaustive and may or may not
include any other additional suitable items, for example one or
more further feature(s), component(s) and/or ingredient(s) as
appropriate.
[0024] As used herein, the term "plant-derived" refers to material
that is derived from a plant, or plant part, using a chemical
process.
[0025] As used herein, the term "natural wax" refers to a wax that
is synthesized by an animal or plant. Encompassed within this term
is a "modified natural wax," which is a natural wax that has
undergone selective chemical modification to alter one or more
properties of the wax. For example, a modified natural wax may be a
wax that has been hydrogenated in order to increase its oxidative
stability and shelf life.
[0026] The present application relates to a gel (or jelly-like)
formulation that can be used as an alternative to petrolatum, but
that does not include petroleum-based ingredients.
[0027] The formulation of the present application comprises at
least one plant-derived paraffinic oil, which is combined with at
least one plant-derived paraffinic wax. In some embodiments, the
plant-derived oils and waxes are characterized by consisting of
alkanes of a narrow molecular size distribution (for example,
having a single carbon chain length, e.g., C30, or only a narrow
range of carbon chain lengths), uniform chemical structure (pure
alkanes) and high purity (e.g., having impurities at a level of
<10 ppm). For example, such plant-derived oil(s) and wax(es) are
prepared using a Kolbe-electrolysis process, such as described in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,961,775 and 9,611,544, each of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0028] In accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments, the
plant-derived oil has a viscosity at 25.degree. C. of from about 15
to about 45 cSt and flash point above 150.degree. C. In certain
examples, the plant-derived oil has a viscosity at 25.degree. C. of
from about 10 to about 20 cSt and flash point above 150.degree. C.
(such as Entrada.RTM.-EML from Advonex International) or a
viscosity at 25.degree. C. of from about 30 to about 40 cSt and
flash point above 200.degree. C. (such as Entrada.RTM.-EMH from
Advonex International).
[0029] In accordance with certain non-limiting embodiments, the
plant-derived wax has a melting point of about 40.degree. C. or
higher, for example, a melting point in the range of from about
45.degree. C. to about 75.degree. C., such as Entrada.RTM.-Wax 51
(melt point: 45-55.degree. C.) or Entrada.RTM.-Wax 68 (melt point:
60-75.degree. C.) (both from Advonex International).
[0030] The plant-derived waxes employed in the formulations
described herein are relatively hard and brittle. This is a result
of result of their narrow molecular size distribution, chemical
structure (e.g., pure alkanes) and high purity. Mixing such a
plant-derived wax with a plant-derived oil, such as
Entrada.RTM.-EML or EMH, in various amounts reduced the hardness
giving the formulation a gel-like consistency. This mixing was done
using the liquid form of the wax, by mixing at temperatures above
the melting point of the wax. When cooled, the wax tended to
crystallize into small crystals and separate from the oil giving
the resulting gel a granular look (see FIG. 1).
[0031] The crystallization problem can be overcome by substituting
small amounts of the plant-derived wax with small amounts of
microcrystalline wax (MCW). Without wishing to be bound by theory,
it is hypothesized that MCW since is a larger weight hydrocarbon
molecule is readily mixed with alkanes present in the wax and oil
mixture. In practice, it was found that a mixture of 5-20% by
weight MCW in the mixture eliminated the granularity observed in
the composition with the wax and oil alone (see FIG. 2). However,
microcrystalline wax is a petroleum-based product and the goal of
the inventor was a formulation that is made entirely from renewable
sources.
[0032] It was initially thought that since natural waxes consist of
esters or hydrogenated triglycerides (both being oxygenated
species), they would not mix will with the plant-derived wax and
that incorporation of natural waxes in the composition would reduce
the shelf-life of the composition. It is known that oxygenated
species are hydroscopic and tend to break down chemically due to
the presence and adsorption of water over time. However, it has now
been, surprisingly found that natural waxes (e.g., floral and seed
waxes) indeed are miscible in plant-derived wax.
[0033] Accordingly, in the formulations described herein natural
waxes, including modified natural waxes, are used instead of MCW
and were surprisingly found to also eliminate or minimize
crystallization of the plant-derived wax(es) in the resulting
formulation. These formulations include at least one natural wax,
have a smooth silky texture and consist of 100% non-petroleum
(renewable) ingredients. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the
natural waxes have a surprising ability to provide some degree of
solubilization of the plant-derived wax to thereby interrupt
crystallization domains in the plant-derived wax and eliminate or
minimize crystallization.
[0034] Many different natural waxes (e.g., floral and bio-based)
are suitable for use in the formulations of the present
application. Natural waxes, including modified natural waxes,
suitable for using in the present formulations have a melting point
of about 40.degree. C. or more, or of about 45.degree. C. or more.
Suitable natural waxes are either plant waxes or animal waxes and
include, but are not limited to, beeswax, berry (e.g., bay berry)
wax, candelilla wax, green tea wax, carnauba wax, myrica fruit wax,
rice bran wax, hydrogenated seed oil waxes (e.g., soywax, palm
wax), ouricury wax, shellac wax and tallow tree wax.
[0035] In accordance with certain embodiments, the gel formulation
of the present application comprises a plant-derived oil or a blend
of plant-derived oils at an amount of between about 60% and about
90% by weight of the formulation, or from about 65% to about 85% by
weight, or from about 70% to about 80% by weight. The amount of oil
included in the formulation can be adjusted depending on the
desired softness of the formulation. A softer formulation is made
using a higher amount of oil, within the above range, whereas a
harder (or firmer) formulation is made using a lower amount of wax,
within the above range.
[0036] In accordance with certain embodiments, the gel formulation
of the present application comprises a plant-derived wax or a blend
of plant-derived waxes, and a natural wax or a blend of natural
waxes, at a combined amount of between about 10% and about 40% by
weight of the formulation, or from about 15% to about 35% by
weight, or from about 20% to about 30% by weight. The amount of wax
included in the formulation can be adjusted depending on the
desired softness of the formulation. A softer formulation is made
using a lower amount of wax, within the above range, whereas a
harder (or firmer) formulation is made using a higher amount of
wax, within the above range. Use of the plant-derived wax at an
amount above the recited range results in a formulation that is too
waxy and hard (e.g., similar to a lip balm consistency).
[0037] In accordance with certain embodiments the gel formulation
contains the natural wax or blend of natural waxes in an amount of
from about 10% to about 60%, or from about 20% to about 40%, or
about 50%, by weight of the combined waxes (i.e., of the
combination of the plant derived wax(es) and the natural
wax(es)).
[0038] The relative amounts of the natural wax to plant-derived
wax, and of the wax mixture to the plant-derived oil(s) can be
altered to adjust the properties of the formulation, for example to
produce a gel with the consistency and smoothness of petrolatum, or
to adjust properties as required based on the application of the
formulation.
[0039] The formulation of the present application can further
comprise additives, such as, but not limited to, vitamins,
minerals, skin conditioning agents (e.g., humectants such as
polyethylene glycol, sorbitols or glycerins), surfactants,
opacifiers, colorants, fragrances and the like in amounts effective
to accomplish their respective functions.
[0040] The present application also provides a method for preparing
the formulation in which the plant-derived oil, the plant-derived
wax and the natural wax are combined, in the appropriate amounts
(e.g., depending on the end use), and heated, with mixing, until a
homogeneous liquid mixture is obtained. The mixture is heated to a
temperature that enables the solid wax to melt or dissolve into the
oils. Once the mixture becomes a homogeneous liquid, the liquid is
cooled, with continued mixing, to obtain the gel formulation.
[0041] The formulation of the present application is useful on its
own as skin care composition or as a component of skin care lotions
or creams, in the same manner as petrolatum. Such compositions,
lotions or creams are useful in a wide variety of applications, for
example, to treat minor scrapes and burns, as a moisturizer, to
treat or prevent diaper rash, to prevent skin stains from hair dye
or nail polish, to improve or preserve perfume scents, and to treat
and prevent pet paw cracks. Alternatively, the present formulation
can be used in coatings, lubrication, material finishing, surface
cleansing, and similar applications, either on its own or as a
component of a composition for these uses.
[0042] To gain a better understanding of the invention described
herein, the following examples are set forth. It should be
understood that these examples are for illustrative purposes only.
Therefore, they should not limit the scope of this invention in any
way.
EXAMPLES
Example 1: Sensory Evaluation Study
[0043] Sensory studies were performed to compare petrolatum
(Vaseline.RTM.) with compositions comprising: (i) a plant-derived
wax and a plant-derived oil; (ii) a plant-derived wax, a
plant-derived oil and microcrystalline wax; and (iii) and a
plant-derived wax, a plant-derived oil and either beeswax or
carnauba wax.
[0044] A small dab of each sample was placed on the inner forearm
of a test subject and applied to skin in 1.times.1'' area. The
texture was evaluated to determine if composition felt smooth while
applying the product or if application caused friction or drag on
the skin (smoothness test). The texture was also evaluated to
determine if the product felt wet or dry during application
(oiliness test).
[0045] In one formulation, 7 parts Entrada.RTM.-EMH was mixed with
1.5 parts Entrada.RTM.-WAX 68 and 1.5 parts beeswax and heated to
melting above 85.degree. C. The beeswax included a fragrance
additive. The resulting solution was mixed well and subsequently
cooled, with continued mixing. The result was a smooth silky gel,
as depicted in FIG. 3, that felt the same, or very similar to
Vaseline.RTM.. In contrast, the same composition that did not
include the natural wax had a more granular feel. A harder gel was
produced by increasing the ratio of wax to liquid.
[0046] In a second formulation, 8 parts Entrada.RTM.-EMH was mixed
with 1 part Entrada.RTM.-WAX 68 and 1 part carnauba wax and heated
to melting above 90.degree. C. The resulting solution was mixed
well and subsequently cooled, with continued mixing. Again, the
result a smooth silky gel that felt the same, or very similar to
Vaseline.RTM.. A harder gel was produced by increasing the ratio of
wax to liquid.
[0047] The formulation that included Entrada.RTM.-EMH,
Entrada.RTM.-WAX 68 and microcrystalline wax also had a smooth
silky feel. However, this was achieved using a petroleum-based
product, which is avoided in the formulations of the present
application.
[0048] Similar formulations can be made substituting
Entrada.RTM.-WAX 51 for the Entrada.RTM.-WAX 68, and
Entrada.RTM.-EML for the Entrada.RTM.-EMH and any of the
above-mentioned natural waxes for the beeswax or carnauba wax. In
making these substitutions, the proportion of the waxes and liquid
may need to be adjusted to create a gel with the desired
consistency but this is well known to those skilled in the art of
cosmetics formulation.
[0049] In all the tested samples, the proportion of the natural
(floral or seed) wax could be adjusted to produce a gel having a
sensory smoothness similar to petrolatum. These formulations did
not feel any oilier than petrolatum.
[0050] All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned
in this Specification are indicative of the level of skill of those
skilled in the art to which this invention pertains and are herein
incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual
publication, patent, or patent applications was specifically and
individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
[0051] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that
the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be
regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention,
and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in
the art are intended to be included within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *